At Wellington, intellectual development is not confined to the classroom. The non-examined curriculum is just as important as the examined, and our commitment to learning free from assessment allows connections to be made across all curriculum areas. We expect every Wellingtonian to take full advantage of the wide variety of academic enrichment opportunities available to develop a genuine love of learning.
Academic extension is a right for all, not a privilege for the few, though we understand that the concept and nature of extension is dependent on the individual. Academic extension is built into our teaching timetable as well as existing each week in fixed co-curricular slots.
All Third Form pupils complete a creative submission for our Wellington unique Malim prize. Pupils in the Fourth Form choose between following an area of special personal interest in the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) or studying one of our fifteen internally penned Fragments courses. These latter courses are designed by Wellington teachers for the purpose of stimulating intellectual curiosity and connections. All Sixth Form pupils on an A level pathway will either complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or study an internally developed course focusing on entrepreneurship (Start Up!) or Artificial Intelligence (Mindful Machines).
Outside the classroom, pupils are encouraged to attend our weekly Fireside Talks, become involved with one or more of our termly academic residencies, or commit to playing an active role in one of more of our 30 academic societies. These societies represent every subject area studied formally at the College, with some both founded and led by Wellington pupils.
"For the mind does not need filling like a vessel, but kindling like wood"
Plutarch
Academic Enrichment and Academic Societies
Our broad range of academic societies, a combination of both departmental and pupil-led, form a key part of this mission. Academic extension is built into our teaching timetable, with societies meeting each week in fixed co-curricular slots. These societies provide pupils with the opportunity to immerse themselves in new ideas, explore different disciplines, and cultivate intellectual passions that we hope will remain with them for life. They also offer the valuable chance to mix with pupils from other year groups, building friendships and creating leadership opportunities. The range on offer is extensive, including LawSoc, ClassSoc, Tricky Chemistry, LitSoc, MathSoc, Sociedad Hispánica, World History, Symposium (Philosophy), Politics, GeogSoc, PsychSoc, Biomedical, Art History, Creative Writing, Debating, Feminist Thought, and global engagement through Model United Nations. Together, these societies help foster a vibrant and stimulating academic culture, encouraging pupils to broaden their perspectives, engage in lively discussion, and develop confidence in their own ideas.
To read more about academic extension at Wellington College, please visit our Scholarship For All website.
